InBloom

I'm Moving

2006-05-01T20:54:00.000-04:00

I've decided it was time to move. Please visit me at my new home to say hello. My address is www.angelasinbloom.com or just go here. Hope to see you there;)

Practice Makes Perfect

2006-04-29T00:44:00.000-04:00

Since Emily and I have our first official photo shoot tomorrow, we decided to take the kiddos on a scavenger hunt today to scout out the perfect location for our bride and groom to be. We are shooting Emily's sister's engagement photos, and I really couldn't be more excited. I am actually fitting it in between a wedding ceremony and the reception, lol. I just couldn't miss it!!!

Here are some practice shots I took to get ready for the big day;)

It's Over

2006-04-26T21:51:00.000-04:00

Tax season, that is=) Things will finally settle down a bit over here, and I will finally get my sanity back, lol. Oh yeah, so will Ben;) I am not sure which is worse...working in an office 14 hours a day 6 days a week or being stuck (and I use the word "stuck" in the most loving way) in a house with a one year old 14 hours a day 6 days a week;)

In all seriousness, I know I am fortunate to be able to stay home with Aiden and I wouldn't trade it for anything!!!

With the arrival of spring, a glorious Easter, a recent family scare, and a lot of cool new changes (one HUGE one that I can't quite share with you yet, ok, I'll give you a clue...I am NOT pregnant, lol) I've been realizing more and more lately how truly blessed we are. I was inspired to create this page:

List of Credits

Proud Member....

2006-04-23T13:09:00.000-04:00

of The Digi Shoppe's Element Team. Em and I got accepted to be apart of a super cool team where we design a shops free gifts that they give away when people participate in their challenges and such. It has been soooo fun to learn and design with these ladies. Here is the mini kit I created for the Get To Know the Element Team chat/crop this Thursday, April 27th @ 9pm Eastern at The Digi Shoppe:

And here is the About Me page I created with my kit:

If you are an interested digi scrapper(or a seasoned pro), come join us Thursday. You have a chance to win one of 5 beautiful mini kits.

Hope to see you there=)

Happy 25th Birthday!!!

2006-04-15T11:46:00.000-04:00

This is Angela's husband, Ben, posting as a guest Blogger. I just wanted to use Ang's Blog as a platform to wish her a big Happy Birthday, and to let her know how much of a blessing she has been to my life. We were talking on Wednesday night and Ang said, "I can't believe I am half way to 50!" She was saying it was depressing, but I was elated inside thinking that I would probably have another 50+ years to spend with her. When I first met Angela, there was something that drew me to her, and I cannot pinpoint the one exact character quality that did, because I believe it was a multitude of character strengths that drew me in, and of course her physical beauty:) This is why it has been no surprise to me how great of a wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, and friend Angela is. I just want to encourage Angela to fully pursue her dreams and her individual creativity in this coming year of life. I fully believe that the Lord has provided Angela with the creative outlet and freedom inspire that she has been seeking for several years, and pray that she will feel the Lord's pleasure everytime she uses her gifts to create.

Guest Blogger

2006-04-14T21:32:00.000-04:00

To celebrate my birthday tomorrow, I will be having a surprise guest blogger. So make sure you all stop by and make me feel special by wishing me a happy birthday, lol!!!

Seriously...I LOVE This Camera!

2006-04-11T17:02:00.000-04:00

Can I just tell you how much I LOVE my new camera?! Since I have started digital scrapbooking I have realized the importance of a good picture. I have always loved photography, in fact, I have even taken a class here and there. My problem, however, was the classes I took were for film cameras, and you can't really fully pursue a photography hobby if you have no where to process your film. That is why I love modern technology sometimes. Thanks to the digital camera and Photoshop, I am able to dabble in yet another fun, beautiful, and rewarding hobby.

Here are some of my favorite most recent pictures I took:

Midnight Black Filter

Midnight Sepia Filter

Converted to Black and White, Colorized, Slightly cropped

Converted to Black and White, Midnight Black Filter, Slightly cropped

No processing, see why I love my camera, lol

TLR High Contrast B&W Conversion, Cropped

No processing, I thought the colors were SO rich in this photo

Midnight Black Filter

I still have so much to learn about post processing and photography itself. But the best part about this hobby (although it is turning into so much more) is the gorgeous memories I get to preserve. To me, that is priceless.

With that said, if anyone would like a photo shoot for REALLY cheap; be it, babies, maternity, engagement, Em and I would love the practice. And feel free to pass the word along.

3D Challenge #3

2006-04-10T10:55:00.000-04:00

This weeks 3D Challenge is going to be a fun one. Check it out HERE!!!

Perfectly Imperfect

List of Credits

Too Fast

2006-04-03T23:34:00.000-04:00

The boy is growing up too fast. Everyday he learns something new, and everyday that goes by I realize how fast time flies. Still waiting for those first steps to turn in to leaps and bounds, but everyone keeps telling me to be thankful he's not running around. All I have to say is...He is heavy, and I don't like to carry heavy things. Plus, taking him outside is not as much fun as it would be if he were walking...I need some exercise anyway=)

Tax season is starting to wear on the both of us. The end is always the hardest. Days get longer and go by much slower. I am really starting to feel the need for some adult interaction. I did get out to play today though. Ben's mom took Aiden for a few hours and let me borrow her car so I could go "help" Kelly with the new house. We didn't get anything done, but I had a great time hangin' out.

Here are a few layouts I did in the past week or so. Thank God for internet or else I would really be lonely, lol=) I just love the scrapbooking community, everyone is so friendly and encouraging.

Eyes: Credits

World of Wonder: Credits

Normal Days: Credits

Captivating

2006-03-24T00:54:00.000-05:00

For Aiden's birthday, Ben's mom and grandma decided to take Aiden to JB Focus Photography to get his picture taken.. Up until this point, Ben and I had never taken him to a professional photographer before, and they thought it would be a wonderful one year gift. We were excited because this is the same place Matt and Em take Addy, and they do beautiful work. Since we were not there when Aiden was getting his picture taken, viewing the photos was a complete surprise. It's really nice how they do it. All the photos are digital, so they set it up like a slide show. They play music and you sit and watch the gorgeous photos on a huge screen. There were so many great shots of Aiden. With the package they paid for, we were able to choose two out of all the wonderful shots they took. We chose only one, it was simply my favorite, I almost cried the first time I saw it. It was absolutely captivating.

I have been meaning to share this photo for sometime now, but I was waiting until I scraped it. I am just having the hardest time with this picture, maybe because, to me, this picture is so breathtaking, nothing else looks good next to it. I'll figure it out sooner or later.

Here it is:

A Few New Layouts and Some Updates

2006-03-21T20:33:00.000-05:00

We are well in the middle of tax season. Ben has been working crazy hours and I have been going crazy, lol. Just kidding=) Actually, things have really been picking up with my new business. It is funny to call it a business since we are not actually making money yet.

We released our first two free gifts, the Shabby Boy and Girl Alphas and our first full kit Funky Fresh. The response has been great. It has been fun to see the comments left by people who have downloaded our kits. It will be even more rewarding when we actually see someone use them in their own pages. For those of you who have no clue what I am talking about, basically, my SIL and I create digital scrapbooking kits, embellishments, ect. and give them away free on our blog for people to use in their digital scrapbooking pages. Eventually we will launch The Sweet Dreams Shoppe, it seems like light years away, but we still have so much to learn before we actually sell a kit=)

I got excepted to two design teams in the past week and a half. A design team is when I design pages with other designers kits and in return I get their stuff free, you can't go wrong with GREAT free product!!! I will design scrapbook pages for Lori Barnhurst of Scrapsy Daisy (Em got excepted to this one too, how fun is that) and Lauren Grier, who sells at Digital Freebies and Elemental Scraps. Check out their stuff on my sidebar, just click on their blinkies!

We got to enjoy the warm weather we had a few weeks ago. Ben and I took Aiden to the park. We have some really great pictures. Here are a few of Ben and Aiden(This was made with our kit, btw):

I saw Gina Miller's Sketch #7 on her blog, and loved it, so I had to do it. Journaling reads: These days, it's not the quantity of time spent, it's the quality. Even though daddy is busy during this time of year, he always manages to squeeze out as much time with his luv bug as possible. And a fun time at the park, on a surprisingly warm winter's day is time well spent. Credits: Sweet Dreamers Designs very first full kit and it's FREE at www.sweetdreamsshoppe.com!!! Holly McCaig date pin, Shabby Princess Silly Boy Alpha (changed), and Gina Cabrera's Daydreams Alpha. Fonts: Georgia, Papyrus, and Anke Calligraphic FG.

If you want to see more pictures, you can check out some of my layouts HERE.

And here are two pages I've made for my design teams:

This one was for Lori Barnhurst's team. She is giving away this kit free if you join in on the Scrapsy Daisy crop on March 22. This kit is called Blue Meadow. The stitcheshes are from Shabby Princess. Quote reads: "A thing of beauty is a joy forever".

This one was for Lauren Grier's team. This kit is called Grayson. It was released today at Digital Freebies and Elemental Scraps. Journaling reads: I don't know if it's the bright, colorful pages, the fun pop-ups and pullies, your daddy's brain, or your mama's thirst for knowledge, but you could open and close those books for hours. Quote reads: "He that loves reading has everything within reach".

The fabulous Becky K. did my hair today. I got a cut and highlight. How nice is it to have a friend come to YOUR house and cut your hair. It looks amazing as usual and it was just the thing I needed to feel fresh and ready for spring (spring, were are you, please come soon). I am so ready for the cold weather to be gone! So is Aiden. I took him out the last time it snowed, lets just say he shares my hatred for winter, lol.

Gotta go do some "work", good thing I love my "work"!

Check It Out...

2006-03-19T17:55:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I know my scrapbooking has taken over my blog, but I promise some more "life" posts soon, although, my scrapbooking has taken over my life too, lol.

Sweet Dreamers Designs has created it's very first full kit, and it's FREE!!!

Check it out HERE

The Power of Words

2006-03-09T09:52:00.000-05:00

I have come to realize how powerful ones words can be. Positive or negative, your words can affect someone for a lifetime. For me, words are especially important. My primarily Love Language is Words of Affirmation (yes, that's right, I love it when you all tell me how awesome I am). It is how I feel most loved, and how I give love in return. Recently, my sister Emily, did an ode to her girlfriends on her blog. I was inspired by her to do the same.

I don't know how often I say it, but I just wanted all my closest girlfriends to know, I love you...

Amy Jean: I love your honesty and real, genuine spirit. Your excitment for life encourages me to stop and enjoy the little things more.

Autumn: I love that we can just hang out and be ourselves. I love your easy-going spirit and your ability to find simple joys through out your day. You are a fighter. Your “for such a time as this” attitude encourages me daily.

Beth: You crack me up, your like two women in one. An incredibly sweet, kind and nurturing person, but someone who is not afraid to tell you like it is...that is sooo refreshing!!! Your like the perfect mom, you are going to make one of the best someday...SOON!!!

Cheryl: I love your passion for the Lord. Your desire to know him so intimately and to know and study His word is breathtaking, it encourages me so much. And your creative spirit is NEVERENDING!!!

Donna: I love your eagerness to know Him more. You have a servant’s spirit, which, I think, is very rare these days. Your heart is filled with love for all people, and your child-like faith is contagious.

Emily: You are the sister I always wanted. Your tenacity and strength amaze me. You have and understanding for His word that I pray for daily. I love that you push me to be better, and encourage me more than I deserve.

Jammie: I look forward to our 3 hour phone conversations every few weeks. It amazes me that two people could form such a strong bond over the phone, lol. You are truly one of the sweetest people I know. I love your openness, honestly, and perseverance. I love your ability to find the good in everything. You are a true example of a wife and mother, and I love being on this journey with you.

Kelly: I love our relationship. You are then fun, be yourself, get real, let it all hang out friend every girl should have. You are loyal and true, I would trust you with my life!!! Your sweet smile is captivating and you’re a natural nurturer.

Mom: I know we have our ups and downs, but that is mainly because you managed to raise a daughter that turned out almost exactly like you, lol. You will never know how proud of you I am that you did it all by yourself. Your strength is amazing. Your friendly personality and genuine spirit attracts people to you, I am so glad you past that on to me...your the reason this friends list is so long, lol.

Rebekah: My Kindred Spirit. I love dreaming with you. You have always been one of my biggest supporters, and I can't express enough how much that means to me. Your deep love for Him is beautiful. I love that you seek him in all that you do, and that you find Him even in the little things.

Shae: You are a complete joy to me. Your smile can brighten up a room(I miss that smile). I love that you can meet people were they are, and your love for others is bigger than life itself.

Tab: A true friendship can stand the test of time, and we have a true friendship. I love your sweet spirit and your love for people and children. Your courage, perseverance, and strength are encouraging to so many.

Thank you to all my wonderful, beautiful girlfriends. You mean the world to me.

I will leave you all with this picture of Aiden and his "best friend"....

3D Challenge

2006-03-06T16:19:00.000-05:00

3D Challenge: Check it out Here!

Sweet Dreamers

2006-03-02T18:37:00.000-05:00

I said I would reveal more information about our digital design adventure when the time was right. Well, the time is right. I give you Sweet Dreamers, our digital scrapbooking blog, soon to be...The Sweet Dreams Shoppe.

Please check us out...

(click on the blinkie for a direct link to the blog)

WOOHOO!!!

2006-02-26T21:29:00.000-05:00

My sis and I bought ourselves a new toy this weekend, and I got to take it home first. Needless to say, I have been having a lot of fun. Now, we are one more step closer to our dream, lol.

::Beloved:: ::True Love::

2006-02-22T09:31:00.000-05:00

Catching up on some wedding scrappin'. Here are two I did recently. I have a wonderful idea for a piece of wall art for my "Creative Oasis" (my office;). I got the idea from a woman in one of the online scrappers galleries I visit. My goal is to start it toady, and maybe finish by the end of the week.

I did this page for a challenge. The challenge was to use a black and white photo with a splash of color, at least two patterned papers, at least one drop shadow, at least two photo prongs, and at least one stamp or brush. I have used this picture three time for different scrapbook pages, and I plan on using it again for my wall art storyboard that I am going to do. I think this is my very favorite picture from our wedding day. I was so fortunate to have our beautiful friend Cheryl take all our pictures. She was so creative, and she captured so many wonderful moments. The best part, we got to keep all the pictures. All 600 of them, lol.

Credits: Sara Carling's "Authentic" kit, Taran Coyner's "SP Doodles", and Shabby Princess' "Flea Market" kit and "Shabby Stitches".
Font: Papyrus

This was the first storyboard I created. I love the simplicity of this style. I've realized after doing a few "Naked" layouts, I prefer a simple and clean style best.

Font: Freestyle Script

A Prayer Being Answered, A Dream Coming True, and A Tribute To Our Angel Baby...

2006-02-20T16:28:00.000-05:00

For way over a year now, I have been asking the Lord for a fun and creative way to make a little extra money from home. I have tried a handful of things, but nothing creative, fun, or even remotely considered “extra” money.

As most of you know, I have been dabbling in digital scrapbooking, and have become, as Jason put it, a “digital scrapbooking nerd”. I just love it. I finally have a hobby I truly enjoy. I am learning new techniques everyday, challenging myself creatively, making beautiful pieces of art that capture and preserve precious memories, and meeting and interacting with other creative, fun, beautiful scrapbookers.

So how is this a prayer answered and a dream coming true? It has been a dream of mine to one day own my own business. I knew I wanted it to be something involving my creativity, but I wasn’t sure what I really wanted to do, until last week.

My sister and I decided to start our own digital scrapbook design business. I couldn’t be more excited!!! We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we are off to a good start. We even have a name for our shop and a domain name to go with it. I’ll reveal more information when the time is right, but for now, keep us in your prayers. This is a dream coming true for both of us, and we could use prayer and encouragement.

As for the tribute…I have been asking the Lord for a creative way to honor the baby we lost just over a month ago. He gave me the idea for this page:

Credits: Gina Cabrera’s “Daydreams” kit, Sara Carling’s “Authentic” kit
(both found at: www.theshabbyshoppe.com) Atomic Cupcake alpha
Fonts: Fine Hand, Bickley Script

Silly Boy

2006-02-16T23:32:00.000-05:00

This is the latest digi scrapbook page I've created. These pictures were taken on the first day of fall. What a beautiful day it was. I used Holly McCaig's "For The Boys" kit and Shabby Princess' "Boy Dirt" kit. Font is "This Little Piggy".

I have so many pictures from Aiden's first birthday party, so as soon as I go through them all, I will post some.

A List of Fours

2006-02-12T23:09:00.000-05:00

I was tagged by Emily, so here is my list. I promise pics and play-by-play of Aiden's party tomorrow, I know those of you who were not there will be on the edge of your seats=)

Four Jobs I've Had (only 4, I have had a few dozen)

1. Coffee Klatch and Boardwalk Treat(two of my favorite jobs) making coffee and other treats (I once served all the boys from DC Talk, btw, that is sort of a big deal when you live in Ohio)
2. Bow-Maker for Michael’s Arts and Crafts store.
3. Physical Therapy Attendant for PCG Hospital.
4. Mommy to Aiden.

Four Movies I Can Watch Over and Over

1. Moulin Rouge
2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
3. Almost Famous
4. The Notebook

Four Places I Have Lived

1. Cleveland, OH
2. Medina,OH
3. Strongsville, OH
4. Middleburg Hts., OH

Four Shows I Like to Watch

1. Grey’s Anatomy
2. Veronica Mars
3. Live with Regis and Kelly
4. CSI Miami

Four Foods I Like

1. Chocolate
2. Italian
3. Crackers and Cheese
4. Most salads with chicken

Four Websites I Visit Daily

1. Blogger
2. Two Peas
3. My Bank’s Website
4. Yahoo

Four Things I Want to Do Before I Die (Em, we want a lot of the same things

1. See my children come to know the Lord and live for him.
2. Start My Own Business
3. Build and Live in a Home (ANYWHERE)
4. Visit all the places on my top 10 list.

Four Bloggers I'm Tagging

1. Donna
2. Jax's Mom
3. Kat
4. Kelli(Mama Queen)

Aiden, It's Your Birthday...

2006-02-08T09:25:00.001-05:00

See the ticker!!! That's right=)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AIDEN!!!

We love you,

Mom and Dad

To My Dear Sweet Son, You're Almost One...

2006-02-02T10:51:00.000-05:00

Your almost one. This year has flown by so fast. I remember the way I felt the day before you were born. I wanted you in my arms so bad. I did EVERYTHING possible to make you come early, but you didn't care. I couldn't understand why you didn't want to be here with us.

When I walked into that hospital on your birthday, I realized life would never be the same. I was struck with fear. Fear that something would go wrong, fear that I wouldn't be a good mother. That fear stayed with me until the exact moment you were born. It's a feeling I will never forget. A supernatural feeling of peace came over me, and I knew everything would be alright.

In one week, we will celebrate the first year of your life. What a year it has been. A year filled with milestones, firsts, challenges, memories, laughter and tears, explosive diapers, baby kisses, new friends, growth, discovery, and all the joy that is you.

God's goodness is all around me, but it's never more apparent than when I look at you. It boggles my mind to think that He trusts me with your life. What a privilege it is to be your mother. I love you.

I've been busy

2006-01-29T17:52:00.000-05:00

Busy doing what, you ask?! Cleaning the house, no. Getting my party on, no. Working hard to support the family, no. Being a wife and mother, umm...Maybe that one. But what I have really been busy with is catching up on some scrapbooking. Regular and digital, and I have been having so much fun. It has been a long time since I have been able to challenge myself creatively, and it has been a breath of fresh air.

Last weekend I went to my sister-in-law's house to do some regular scrapbooking. You can check out the details here . I realized that I really need to make time to "be creative". Whether it's scrapbooking, card making, writing, ect. That's why my sis and I decided to try meet monthly to hangout and scrap. I am looking forward to the next time=)

Here are the last three digital pages I made. You can also check out "My Layouts" on my sidebar any time.

This page is titled "Little Pilot". I made it for Ben to take to work. This is one of my favorite pictures of Aiden.

This one is my first digital Effer Dare. It is "Effer Dare #18 - Memory Maker". The dare was to scrap an inanimate object. There is only a handful of "things" that mean a lot to me, and my camera is one of them.

This page, titled "Unquenchable Love", means a lot to me because it is the only page I have ever done of our Wedding Day. I have tried so hard (and failed) to keep up with Aiden's scrapbook, that I have never done a page for Ben and I. I'm not sure I will ever get done=)

I know I'm Loved

2006-01-25T13:53:00.000-05:00

It has been a week now since we found out we lost the baby. Ben and I are doing fine. My D & C went well and besides the constant labor-like cramps that don't go away with Advil, Alieve, or Tylenol, I am feeling OK. I imagine that it is never easy to lose a baby, but Aiden has made this difficult time way less painful. He has been a joy since the moment he was born, and as much as you give and give your whole life to your children, they really give you so much in return.

Thank you to everyone who called or e-mailed, sent cards, flowers, and e-cards, offered to help us, prayed for us, cried with us, and encouraged us. Your kindness and love has helped us through this difficult time. We have felt your love and prayers.

Our internet will be fixed next Tuesday, so I am sure I will be posting and checking in on everyone soon. Till then...

Ang Update

2006-01-18T19:53:00.000-05:00

Ang was supposed to have a procedure today at 4:45 p.m. and the doctor had an emergency so it was pushed back until 7:00 p.m. I'm sure this was really tough, especially when you're already nervous. Please continue to pray for Ben and Angela. If you do not know their address and would like to send them a card, please send it to my work address:

Ben and Angela
c/o Emily, OPE
Business Administration Building, Room 306
Kent, OH 44242

Your Prayers Would Be Appreciated

2006-01-17T22:16:00.000-05:00

Hey, everybody. This is Emily, Angela's sister-in-law. Ang asked me to let you know that she has miscarried. She is okay physically, but is, obviously, devestated by this loss. Please keep Ben, Angela, and Aiden in your prayers. I know she would appreciate your encouraging words.

Taking Some Time Off...

2006-01-12T19:48:00.000-05:00

Be back soon=)

Thursday Thriteen

2006-01-05T17:34:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things I Love About My Husband

1. He is a man of God who is leading his family the best he can while allowing God to lead him.

2. He is a wonderful provider. And he trusts and believes that ultimately, the Lord WILL provide for all our needs.

3. He is a hard worker.

4. He loves his family. He always has time for us, loves to spend time with us, and takes care of us, not because he has to, but because he genuinely wants to.

5. He is the hottest man I know=) If Ben Affleck and Matt Damon had a son together, it would be Ben(my husband).

6. He has a wonderful sense of humor. He's the only person that can make me laugh, even when I am mad.

7. He is the perfect combination of man. Sporty, artistic, funny, handsome, charming, intelligent, mature, and professional.

8. He has the most beautiful smile I have ever seen.

9. He is easy to talk to.

10. He is a loyal friend.

11. He is my own personal spell check. Even if it annoys him, he'll still help me out when I ask him to spell a word for me.

12. He is passionate and sensitive, two qualities that drew me to him almost instantly. (Even if I didn't let him know that)=)

13. He likes to dream with me. We share some of the same dreams, and if either one of us had the opportunity to pursue a dream, we would make it work.

I could list a million more reasons why I love my husband, but since this is a Thursday Thirteen I will stop there. I love you Ben!!!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It's easy, and fun!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Another List

2006-01-02T21:19:00.000-05:00

I was tagged by Kimber and Amy to write a list of 15 book facts and preferences, A LONG TIME AGO. I enjoyed reading everyone else's lists, and decided that it was finally time to compile a list of my own.

1. My favorite book as a young child was The Pokey Little Puppy, which I have mentioned in a previous post. What I didn't mention was that I do not have a copy for Aiden and want one very badly (hint, wink, smile to anyone who wants to get my adorable son this book for his birthday, lol). I also loved Dr. Suess books. I had almost the entire collection, which my mother sold at a garage sale for $10. Yes, $10. She regrets it to this day...And I am still a little bitter, j/k! (ok, maybe I'm not kidding, lol).

2. When I was in grade school, we had to read The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I fell in love with this story. My mom knew I loved the book, so when the play came to town, she surprised me and bought tickets for us. I loved the play just as much, and to this day, I still love this book. I just picked up a board book version of the story from the Salvation Army for Aiden.

3. There has only been a handful of books that have actually made me cry. The first being The Bridge To Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. This was a required read in grade school, but one of my favorite stories. I learned a very important lesson reading this book...Not all stories have happy endings. Some other books that have made me cry: Of Mice and Men, In the Presence of My Enemies, The Bible, and Falling in Love with Jesus (which I will get to later).

4. Speaking of The Bible, two of my favorite books of the bible are Ephesians and Esther. These two books have spoke to me more times than I can even remember. I have read them over and over, and each time I do, I find something new to love about them.

5. I always liked to read as a child, but I found it really hard to find a book that would hold my attention. When my teachers used to have the Read It program at school, I was always at the bottom of the list. I could never finish a book. Because of that, I started to hate to read. This all changed my Freshman year in high school. I had a wonderful English teacher that really knew how to teach her students individually. She brought out a rack of books, and told each of us to pick a book that looked interesting to us. I had never had a teacher do that before. I picked the book, The Band Never Dances by JD Landis. I couldn't put it down. It was the first book in a long time that I fully enjoyed. In a way, that book changed my life. I loved to read again, I got transferred into Honors English, and I probably wouldn't have been able to finish this list, lol.

6. Since then, I have not always enjoyed reading. Transferring to Honors English came with a price. I had to grind my way through some pretty horrible books. Now, this is only my opinion, so if you've liked any of these, we will have to agree to disagree. My least favorite reads include, but are not limited to: Inferno, One Hundred Years of Solitude, and almost anything Shakespeare.

7. My friend Bek gave me a book that literally changed my life. Falling in Love With Jesus transformed the way I viewed my relationship with Christ. I learned to see Him as THE ULTIMATE lover, a concept we hear all the time, but for me, was so hard to grasp. At this time in my life, I was so focused on finding my future mate for life, I neglected my very first love, Jesus. This book refocused my attentions on Him, which I believe, eventually lead me to Ben.

8. The only series of books I have ever gotten into was the Left Behind books. I was so obsessed with them at one point, that I would get the books on tape(which I still do, btw) so I could listen to them when I drove. Sometimes I would even sit in the parking lot or driveway for minutes just to finish a chapter or get to a break. I reached number seven. I plan to finish them someday, but right now I have about twenty other books I have been wanting to read.

9. The books and articles I probably read the most are any books that contain health information, baby development, human development, psychology, ect. I am obsessed with knowing information of this sort. It is not always a good thing either. The ones I currently go to for info are Taking Care of Yourself, Baby 411, and the web, just to name a few.

10. A close second would be cookbooks. I am always trying to find new, easy, quick, and fun recipes to make. My favorite cookbooks are the Fix It and Forget It slowcooker cookbook, Tupperware and Pampered Chef's seasonal cookbooks, and my new Christmas gift, the "cooking bible", Betty Crocker's Cookbook.

11. Some of my favorite books of all time include: The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson, Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy, This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti, The Notebook by Nicolas Sparks, some I've already mentioned above, ummm...There are probably so many more, but I can't think of them right now.

12. Some of my favorite children's books that I read Aiden over and over and over again are You Are Special, Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See, The Hungry Caterpillar and the new one he just got for Christmas that I can not wait to read him, The Rainbow Fish.

13. The last book I just read...Well umm...Listened to, was The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus. This book made me sad, but it also made me realize how thankful I am to have a husband that loves me and how wonderful of a mom I really am.

14. On my list to read next: Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge, At First Sight by Nicolas Sparks, Shepherding A Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp, and the one I am most excited about and am SO happy Worldview is using for one of The Gathering series is, When Heaven Invades Earth by Bill Johnson.

15. And for number 15, the world wide web, but more specifically...BLOGS!!! I have enjoyed reading and getting to know all sorts of people. I never thought making the decision to start my own blog would turn into a truly meaningful and special moment of my life. That may sound funny, but I have gotten to know old friends better, made new friends all around the world, and found an outlet of expression for myself and began writing again. Something I have been wanting to do for a long time.

Hope you enjoyed. I tag ANYONE who hasn't done this yet. It's a lot of thinking, but so worth it. Thanks Kimber for the tag, this was a lot of fun, even if it took me a month to get to=)

Thursday Thirteen

2005-12-29T23:39:00.000-05:00

Found this meme on Leesa's blog, thought it would be fun. I am going to try to do it every Thursday...

Thirteen Things Angela did this year...

1. Rung in the New Year almost 9 months pregnant with a few good friends. After playing Dance Dance Revolution at their house, I told my husband we could get a PS2 as long as we got that game, so I could try to induce labor...I played three times a day+ for hours...it didn't work!!!

2. Gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Aiden, and became a mom for the first time.

3. Had my very first IV and over night stay in a hospital...at least it was for a good reason=).

4. Started my blog and made a bunch of new friends from all over the world!

5. Moved...again for the 7th time in four years. Yes, it sounds crazy, and it never gets any easier! Hopefully we'll be here for awhile.

6. I became "That Freak With the Camera". I have never been good at remembering to take pictures until my son was born. Now, I carry my camera in my purse...you never know when you'll have a great photo opp.

7. Have gotten pooped on, peeded on, and spit-up on all in the same day. Oh, the joys of motherhood!

8. Became (somewhat) computer savvy. I learned what html was, started regularly selling stuff on ebay, blogging, and started digital scrapbooking.

9. We got a new "used" car. Which I LOVE!!! It's just a 2003 Honda Civic, but we got a great deal and I love the silver=)

10. I became an aunt for the first time, and my hubby became an uncle. I am an only child, but I hit the jack-pot and married a guy with two brothers and one sister, and a sister-in-law, who gave birth to beautiful Addy only five months after me=)=)=)

11. I figured out for the first time that my digital camera actually takes good video. It's not that I didn't know it took video, what I didn't know was that it has audio too, which only can be hear AFTER you download it on the computer...duh!!!Totally bummed out, because I would have been taking video from the moment I got the darn thing.

12. My husband and I set up our first christmas tree since we've been married. We never had one, but Aiden loves lights, and we couldn't deprive him of a Christmas tree on his very first Christmas. We shelled out some big bucks because we both hate putting lights on a tree, so we splurged for a pre-lit, but it was totally worth it!

13. I became pregnant, again. And we are now expecting our second (THINK PINK) in August.

My Secret Revealed...

2005-12-27T21:31:00.000-05:00

So, "my" secret is actually "our" secret, as in Ben and I. I am sure you all guessed it, YES....I AM PREGNANT!!!

Our original plan was to surprise the families on Christmas day, but after some complications we ended up telling most people before Christmas. All is well now, but keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I was having a lot of pain in my lower abdomen and left side plus some spotting. My midwife did an ultrasound to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. It wasn't ectopic, but the baby was measuring almost a week behind schedule, and after taking my first hormone levels they were very low. We thought possible miscarriage unless hormone numbers doubled. They did!!! I am still having pain, but other that, spotting has stopped and I feel great=) My official due date is still unknown (We are having another ultrasound soon to figure out due date and check heartbeat), but I'll estimate sometime in mid to late August.

I hope everyone had a joyful Christmas, I know we did!!! Aiden had so much fun opening his gifts, and we have great pictures and video.

Gina over at "Spicy, Savvy, & Sane" has a great challenge for us women. Check it out here. I know I'm game!!!

Merry Christmas...

2005-12-21T00:28:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! I have been thinking a lot about Kenny's teaching he did two Sundays ago. He talked about "Finding JOY in the midst of it all". Being that I am chasing a 10 month old around the atrium half the time, I only caught bits a pieces of it, but Ben and I talked about it a little bit, and he filled me in on most of the message.

He talked about joy vs. happiness. How happiness is external, always changing with the circumstances that surround you, but joy is "a state of being or an inward attitude that is ROOTED in a deep trust, confidence, and security in God's care, concern, and involvement with us".

I have heard a lot of people say that Christmas just doesn't seem the same anymore. But let's all remember what this glorious day is really about. Jesus Christ, Son of God, born miraculously on this day, to save us all. Don't let the stresses and concerns of the holidays, the retailers, the media, or anyone or anything steal your joy! Exchange happiness (or lack of) for JOY!!!

By the way...I have a secret to share after Christmas. If you know my secret, SHHHH! =)

My New Hobby

2005-12-18T22:27:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking about digital scrapbooking for a year now, but never wanted to spend the money to get started, only to find out that I didn't like it. After doing a little research, I found a free photo editing software, some free digital scrapbooking kits (Thanks to Two Peas ), and a few moments to spare to try it out. What do I think? I love it. It is so much fun. I still enjoy regular scrapbooking, but I will definitely be dabbling in the digital arena too. Now all I need is some good software (Saving up Ebay money for Photo Shop), A hefty array of supplies to choose from (Man, I better sell a lot of stuff on Ebay), and more time to play (Hmm, that is a lot to ask for, lol).

Here are the first three digital pages I made...

Oh, and I have to thank Jason for fixing my computer. You rock, man!!! Thank you, again, soooo much. And you all can thank him too, he is the reason why I am able to post again, you missed me right, lol!!!!!

Have You Seen Him?

2005-12-09T06:03:00.000-05:00

WANTED:

Clothes Monster. Steals clothes from your laundry room, and eats them for breakfast. Especially likes socks and baby clothes. If you have seen him, please let me know. Cash reward for anyone who captures this sneaky little rat.

I know I've been MIA, just like my enemy here, but the computer is down...AGAIN, and the holiday season is keeping me busy...In a good way=)

You Gotta Love 'Em

2005-11-21T11:43:00.000-05:00

Cabinets are bare. Little guy is hungry for a snack. You see those faithful ol' biscuits staring you in the face. You reach for them. You pull away. Reach. Pull away. Closing your eyes, imagining your fate, deep sigh, and you reach again. This time, you grab them. Slowly pull away the plastic that covers them. You walk over to screaming baby. You hand him the biscuit. You pull away. Hand biscuit. Pull away. You give in, just as baby is about to scream his head off. Relief. Baby is happy. Mommy is happy. You know your fate, but somehow, the camera always seems to make it better. You grab the camera, and snap away. Yep, you gotta love those Biter Biscuits!!! And I think we all know what comes next=)

IT'S BATH TIME!!!

I Want...

2005-11-14T20:11:00.000-05:00

I want all my dreams to come true.
I want to feel God's love in every situation.
I want to go to bed before 10pm every weeknight.
I want my stinkin' debit card to get here so life becomes less difficult.
I want to scrapbook this photo, but without a debit card I can't get this photo developed.

I want to be a better wife and mother.
I want to love Jesus more.
I want to travel the world.
I want to catch up on all of my scrapbooking.
I want to love to clean.
I want to earn an extra income from home.
I want to be able to remember things.
I want to overcome my fear of the dark, robbers, and dying young.
I want Christ's love to shine off of me.
I want to be a good example to my peers.
I want another car.
I want to understand the bible with a wisdom like Solomon.
I want my son to grow up and be thankful we're his parents.
I want to be eating pumpkin ice cream right now.
I want to figure out where I am going to have Aiden's first birthday party.
I want to lose the last of my baby fat.
I want Malley's Chocolates to stop ripping off MY ideas.
I want people to feel welcome to stop by our house anytime, even unannounced.
I want to finish fixing up the house, so that when people come over, I'm not embarrassed.
I want to understand Ben's love language, so he can realize how much I love him.
I want Ben to understand mine.
I want to read faster.
I want my friends to know that I would do anything for them.
I want to stop watching so much television.
I want to organize my Tupperware drawer.
I want to take better care of myself.

Will any of these things make me happier, Yes. Will they make me a better person, Probably. Are these things I need , Maybe. Will they change my life, I don't know. Will these things change the way God sees me today or any day, NO!

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Eph. 3:16-19

As I write this, the song, "Your All I Want" is running through my head. "Your all I want, Your all I've ever needed, Your all I want, Help me know you are near." I sing this song often, but will I ever get to place where He really is all I want? I think I'm on my way...

What's Your Favorite Recipe?

2005-11-12T18:10:00.000-05:00

After getting a few requests for my Baked Potato Soup recipe, I started to think...Hmmm, wouldn't it be great to have a bunch of new recipes of my own. We all get sick of the same old things, and sometimes need a boost from a delicious recipe, maybe...YOUR favorite recipe!?

Here are two of my favorites:

Potato Cheese Lasagna (Lazy Man Pirogi)
(yes, I know, another potato recipe...what can I say;))

9 strips of lasagna noodles, cooked
1 large onion, sauteed in
1 stick of butter
8 serving instant mashed potatoes
(mix as package directs, using 1/4 cup LESS water)
8 oz package Velveta cheese, cut in cubes and melted in hot potatoes

Coat bottom of 9 x 13 pan with some margarine, layer 3 strips of noodles, half of potato cheese mixture, 1/3 of onion mixture. Repeat layer. Top with 3 strips of noodles and remainder of onions. Sprinkle with fresh Parsley (and shredded cheese if desired). Cover and heat through. 350 degrees approx. 20 minutes.

And in the spirit of the holidays:

Pumpkin Roll

3 eggs beaten
1 cup white sugar
1/2 teasp. Cinnamon
2/3 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 all purpose flour
1 teasp. baking powder (Unless you you self rising flour, which I do, you can eliminate this)
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 teasp. nutmeg

Filing:
2 tbsp. butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1/4 teasp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter or grease jelly roll or cookie sheet with raised edges(I use a cookie sheet, works just fine). Mix eggs, sugar, pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside. Mix flour and baking soda(again, unless you use self rising flour). Add flour to pumpkin mixture. Pour onto cookie sheet, making sure batter is flat and smoothed to each corner. Bake 15-25 minutes. Cool. Using COTTON towel (do not use terry cloth), lay on towel and roll with towel to form roll. Make sure you lay roll with seam at the bottom so it stays in place. Cool.

For filling: Blend butter, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until smooth. Unroll pumpkin, spread with filling evenly, roll again with out towel. Keep refrigerated.

I can't bake worth anything, but I can make this pumpkin roll, so, it must be easy.

Hope you enjoy these...

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE???

Please Excuse the Mess

2005-11-11T00:23:00.000-05:00

I am in the process of changing the template for my blog, so please excuse the mess. I know absolutely nothing about computers, so it may take me awhile to figure it all out. In the meantime, please bare with me. It is late, I am tired, and I am going to bed....Good night=)=)

Yummy!

2005-11-05T23:44:00.000-05:00

We are well into the fall season, and do you know what that means? It means that it is Baked Potato Soup weather. I have already made it twice this year. One time for just Ben and I and one time for some friends. My Baked Potato Soup is one of Ben's favorite recipes, so if you would like to come over and have some, feel free to invite yourselves. I always look for an excuse to make it=)

Not Like The Others

2005-11-03T06:43:00.000-05:00

One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong! Can you tell me which one of these doesn't belong=)

My poor little guy had a very high fever(104) yesterday morning. He seems to be much better, but I can tell he is still not his smiley, active self. I have wanted to post this picture for some time. Thought you would enjoy it=)

Isn't he just the cutest thing you've ever seen. So those of you with kids are thinking, UM NO, my kid(s) are the cutest things I've ever seen. OK, that's fair=) But I just had to dedicate this post to MY cutie pie. I have actually dedicated quite a few posts to Aiden. It's funny...I never really intended for this blog to have so many Aiden posts. I started it because I wanted to keep an online journal of my thoughts and dreams, what God was doing in my life, what he was teaching me, what new and exciting adventures he was taking me on. Then, I realized something. Right now, at this time in my life, he is teaching me to be a wife and a mother. He is showing me how to glorify, honor, and praise him through my marriage and motherhood. I never imagined myself as a wife AND mother at 24 years old, and it has been the biggest and best surprise he has given me yet. And those dreams and adventures...well, one thing I have learned for sure, motherhood is an adventure. A fun, crazy, fast, hilarious, scary, tough-at-times, miraculous, life-changing, awakening, thrilling, spontaneous, and lovely adventure.

I know I have plenty more adventures ahead of me and a heart full of dream to see fulfilled. I am looking forward to those new adventures, but for now, I am enjoying this one to it's absolute fullest, and I have a lifetime to do so.

I'm Back!!!

2005-11-01T08:30:00.000-05:00

Autumn, the kids, and I are back from Arkansas. The trip was just long enough, and it is good to be home.

More importantly...I AM BACK ONLINE!!! I think my "subtle" hint to Ben worked. When I walked into the house my computer was set up, turned on, and ready for me to use. Thanks Honey=)

I bought Aiden his first official pair of shoes. He actually NEEDS a pair of shoes. I can't believe it! He looks like a little man.

Autumn, Autumn's sister Hope, and I went bowling while we were in Arkansas. I bowled the best game of my life. For those of you who are superior bowlers, I suggest you keep your mouth shut and allow me to enjoy this victory. Ready...I scored a 155 and got a turkey!!! Just in case you don't believe me, I took proof. Yes, that's right. I took a picture of my score. Mainly for my husband. It figures the one time I actually have a decent score Ben is not with me. We love to bowl, but he always wins. It is the one thing he can actually beat me in, well, that and Trivial Pursuit, but even than I give him some competition. When it comes to bowling, he blows me away. I have lost some pretty good bets due to bowling. As a matter of fact, because of bowling, Ben gets to name our next child.

So after a brief set back with our new DSL and a hour and a half phone call with tech support, I am back with a long list of stuff to post about...hope you can keep up. I know I have a lot of catching up to do=)

Here In Arkansas

2005-10-27T18:41:00.000-04:00

Just another quick update so the last few of you who are left that actually read this will continue to do so in the future.

We are still not settled into the new house, but that might have something to do with the fact that Ben was in New York on business this week, and I am in Arkansas. Autumn and I are having a relaxing time away from home, with no chores, no packing/unpacking, and no worries. We will be back on Saturday, and hopefully our DSL will be waiting there for us and I can be back online soon. And it would be an even greater surprise if our DSL already came, and my computer is waiting there for me to log on to...*wink, smile*.

So Much To Write, So Little Time

2005-10-03T21:04:00.000-04:00

Quick Update:

Hello everyone...I am still alive. Ben, Aiden, and I moved last Sunday, and are slowly settling in to our new house. The place is a mess, but coming along. We still have quite a bit of work to do on the house before we have people over, but hopefully by next weekend things will start to look great. As soon as we have everything put together I will post before and after pictures.

Aiden has reached so many milestones!!! I can't just list them in a quick update, they deserve their own post. Look for them soon=)=)

More to come...

Two Years Have Past

2005-09-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Ben-

I can't believe how time has flown by. Thank you for a wonderful, crazy, eventful, challenging, surprise filled, beautiful, and happy two years of marriage. Thank you for your leadership and love. You challenge me like no one else and continue to be my biggest supporter and encourager. You are my best friend and my soul mate, and I thank God for you everyday. You compliment me in every way.

Happy Anniversary

I Love You

Some Work, More Play

2005-09-13T22:11:00.000-04:00

But much deserved!!! Ben and I had a VERY fun weekend. Friday night, we got some work done on the new house. Ben worked extremely hard to finish the floor, while Donna, Kelly, and I worked on painting the bedroom. Thanks girls!!! I appreciate you taking your "girls night out" to help us=) I LOVE the colors I picked for the bedroom. I can not wait to post pictures once all the rooms are finished.

Saturday, we did some major cleaning. Things seem to pile up so fast in a small townhouse. We were having people over (which almost never happens anymore because "we live so far";)) so we were forced to clean house. I feel refreshed. I love a clean house, I just hate to clean.

Saturday night, Jason and Kelly came over to watch the OSU/Texas game. We had a relaxing night of football, chicken pizza, wine and pumpkin brew, and MooTown(my personal favorite). OSU lost, but I was still a good time.

Sunday, we got to sleep in a bit. It was a beautiful morning. Aiden was in a wonderful mood, and we spent some precious time in bed as a family just cuddling, making silly faces, and laughing. Ben and I went to church, but we skipped the first two parts. With only one car and Aiden being too young for children's church we decided to wait until the second session to participate in the full event. However, answering Bek's question, we are very excited about the change. In the evening, we dropped Aiden off at my mom's house and headed to the baseball game. What a fun night out!!! Ben's company has a suite a Jacobs Field, so we got to enjoy a free game, with free food and free drinks, and all the comforts of a suite. Now that's the way to watch a game. And as an added bonus, the Indians continued their winning streak with a score of 12 to 4 to sweep the Twins. Go Tribe!!!

Mother Goose...Should Be Called Gruesome Goose

2005-09-08T22:17:00.000-04:00

Today, as I sat in the rocker with my son, I decided to read him a book. I pretty much read him the same books over and over again because we don't have a lot of books that I really like. Well, I decided to read him a new book this afternoon, and thought "The Mother Goose Book" would be a nice choice. HAVE YOU EVER READ THE CLASSIC NURSERY RHYMES?!?! I guess some of them I have said so many times, that I never really thought about what I was saying. It wasn't till I started reading these, page after page, that I realized how GRUESOME they really are. I thought I would just list a few of my "favorites" for you...

HUMPTY DUMPTY
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall
All the King's horses and all the King's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again

JACK AND JILL
Jack and Jill went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water
Jack fell down and broke his crown
And Jill came tumbling after

THREE BLIND MICE
Three blind mice, Three blind mice
See how they run, See how they run
They all ran after the farmer wife
She cut off their tails with a carving knife
Did you ever see such a sight in your life
As three blind mice

OLD MOTHER HUBBARD
Old Mother Hubbard
Went to the cupboard
To get her poor dog a bone
When she got there
The cupboard was bare
And so the poor dog had none

SING A SONG OF SIXPENCE
Sing a song of sixpence, A pocket full of rye
Four-and-twenty balckbirds, Baked in a pie
When the pie was open, The birds began to sing
Wasn't that a dainty dish, To set before the king.
(nice, right? well then they add this...)
The King was in the courthouse, Counting out his money
The Queen was in the parlor, Eating bread and honey
The maid was in the garden, Hanging out the clothes
When down came a blackbird, And snipped off her nose

And my personal favorite...

THE OLD WOMAN IN THE SHOE
There was an old woman who lived in a shoe
She had so many children she didn't know what to do
She gave them some broth, WITHOUT ANY BREAD
And WHIPPED THEM ALL SOUNDLY, and sent them to bed

WHAT?!?!

Are you kidding me? I laughed hysterically as a read these. From now on I think I will just stick to the same three books I read over and over, now those I really enjoy...And I won't have to ever wonder whether or not Aiden will want to snip off someone's nose, cut off a mouse tail with a knife, or worry if I will ever starve him and then whip him soundly before bed=)

To Change, Or Not To Change...

2005-08-29T22:52:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking about this for awhile now, but just recently took the picture because, for the first time in 2 weeks, I actually did my hair and even had time to throw on a little make-up...Pathetic, I know! So what is it I have been thinking about? Well, I decided that I need to start wearing my glasses again. I can not believe how bad my eyes have gotten. Here is a little know fact about me, I wear bifocals. Actually, I don't "wear" bifocals, I "own" bifocals. I hate the way I look in glasses, and I will NEVER wear contacts, so I don't really wear my glasses that much. I am mostly farsighted, but have a very small prescription for nearsightedness.

I have already decided I need to wear my glasses more, now I need to decide whether or not I am going to change my frames. I think these make my nose look big and my face look fat. What do you think, and I want honest replies please!!!

By the way, there is this group of amazingly talented women that call themselves "The Effers". They are scrap geniuses and give out super cool scrapbook dares every Friday. I have wanted to do every one, but just have not found the time. This week, however, I couldn't pass it up. I think all us women should do this one. I know I could use a boost, and this is a perfect way to look inside yourself and see what you find!!!

EFFER DARE #5

SOOOOOO excited....it is Friday and ya'll know what that means....
Let's get to it...

Everyone is sexy.
Some by definition of society,
some by definition of self-worth.
Some base it on what the opposite sex thinks,
some base it on what MTV thinks.
Some find it within.
Some women pretend that it isn't there,
some women flaunt it,
and some women hide it.
Some women hate it,
some women love it.
If you think this dare does not pertain to you, you are the one's that we really want to see.
LOOK.
Look in a mirror,
look at your art,
look at your mind,
look at your soul.
You might be surprised what you see.
You are sexy.
No matter which of these women you might be,
scrap it in the best way you see fit.
Scrap it honestly, scrap it goofy, scrap it crazy.
There are no rules, there are no right or wrongs.

Amber has all the details on her blog...CHECK IT OUT!!!! I will be posting mine as soon as I am done. (Bek, I don't know why, but this reminded me of the "Succulent Wild Woman" book!!! Do you still have that book, are you still a SWW, have you eaten mangos, naked, at midnight???)

At Least There Is One

2005-08-24T22:38:00.000-04:00

One of what you ask? One small, yet significant part of ME in Aiden. You see, the minute Aiden was born, all anyone could say was how much he looked like Ben. Ben's nose, Ben's forehead, Ben's thick dark hair. Then, as Aiden started to form his own little personality, I couldn't believe HOW MUCH he reminded me of Ben, already!!! Ben's lack of patience, Ben's sleep habits(happy first thing in the morning, super craby if not enough sleep), Ben's ability to make me laugh even when I am frustrated (yes, my 6 month old knows when I am getting frustrated with him, and he turns on the charm...don't believe me, well it's true).

So, yes, I do get a few bones thrown my way. People occasionally say we look alike, but I am pretty sure they are just being nice or looking for something to say. But I have proof that there lies one feature I passed onto my son...His dimples. His super cute, can only see one most of the time, beautiful, deep, captivating dimples.

As you can see, Aiden and I both have a very pronounced dimple on the left cheek and a small, barely there dimple on the right cheek that only comes out when our faces are extremely exaggerated.

I am very proud of that dimple. It reminds me everyday that he IS a part of me, that Ben and I help create this beautiful baby boy. Ben was just telling me today that whenever he is feeling upset, whether it be about money or work or whatever, he thinks of us and instantly feels better. I know what he means. When I think of all that I have, I feel so rich. Rich in love, rich in life, rich in the spirit. Rich in all the things that really matter to my heart.

Up, Up, and Away

2005-08-20T23:46:00.000-04:00

This might not be the biggest sunflower ever grown, but it sure is the biggest one I've ever seen!!!

Measuring in at about 10.5 feet, this one is a beauty, and still growing strong.

It's almost twice my size...

My mom is a kick-butt gardener. I wish her skills would have rubbed off on me a bit. I have enlisted her to help me with my garden for next year. We are going to get an early start because I want to plant some garlic...And apparently that needs to be done in the fall(THANK GOD FOR MOMS).

My Perfect Little Tomato

2005-08-18T21:04:00.000-04:00

A few months ago my mother gave me this tomato plant, which, as you can see has been through a lot.

I have never had my own yard to garden in, therefore, I have never tried to grow a vegetable in my life. I thought, what the hay, can't be too hard. Silly me, what was I thinking? I have had plants in the past and guess what, they all died!!! I am cursed. I don't know why I thought this time would be different. First, I noticed that it was looking a little droopy and the leaves were turning yellow. Then, the very first tomato that was growing turned rotten on the bottom. I called my mom and asked her what I was doing wrong. She said that I was probably watering it too much and to not water it for a day or two. So that is what I did. Then, the leaves started to look all dry and crunchy. I called my mom again. She then informs me that I am now probably not watering the darn plant enough. Well, at that point I gave up. Until this one bright sunshiny morning when I walked outside onto my patio to water the dreadful thing. I noticed a little glimmer of hope peeking through the dry crunchy leaves. "Is that what I think it is", I asked myself. "Why yes, yes it is". Another tomato was growing strong and healthy without any rotten spots.

So today, I am writing to say, "look at my prefect little red tomato I grew all on my own".

And there are more perfect little red tomatoes on their way. You may think this is small, but for someone who kills plants just by looking at them, this is a big step. I now have the courage to grow my own garden. I have always wanted my own garden, and now that we are moving to a place with land, I will have my garden. And I will grow perfect little tomatoes (did I mention that I don't even like tomatoes) and perfect little whatever else I decide to grow in my perfect little garden.

Things Are Coming Along Nicely

2005-08-16T22:07:00.000-04:00

After spending hours working on our new house, I finally feel like we are getting somewhere...YEA!!! Even more exciting, we finished the office/craft room and I am starting to set things up in there. I am having so much fun. People who know me well might be surprised to learn that I love organizing. Well, I do...Initially. It's the keeping things organized that I have a problem with (it's not just clothes that I don't like to put away; dishes, scrap stuff, groceries, you name it).

So, I was thinking about all the stuff we wanted to have done before we moved in the new place:

~Pull carpet up and put in new floors in the living room/dining room.
~Sand and refinish floor in Aiden's room.
~Paint all 5 rooms.
~Prime and paint base boards in 4 rooms.
~Prime and paint windows in 2 rooms.
~Sand, prime, and paint kitchen cabinets.
~Get a new refrigerator
~Repaint bedroom furnisher.
~Clean all rooms from top to bottom.

So far, we have painted 3 out of 5 of the rooms and started on the 4th. Primed the base boards in 2 rooms and started painting them in 1 of the rooms. Primed windows in 1 room. Ripped up carpet in living room/dining room and in Aiden's room. Finished one room completely and already started moving stuff in that room. And, we got a used refrigerator FREE...(Thanks Mom & Bob, love you both).

I am getting more and more excited each day. We still have a lot to do, but I have seen so much progress in the last few weeks, that it doesn't seem as gut-renching anymore(ok, so you think I am exaggerating, I literally felt sick to my stomach...ask anyone who saw me in the first week;)). It is always the first stroke of paint that is the hardest. I remember feeling so overwhelmed. Now, I just feel blessed and overjoyed to have such a great opportunity.

Creativity Lost

2005-08-13T23:49:00.000-04:00

Or rapidly dwindling for sure. So the question has come up as to why I have posted "so many" surveys lately. Truth be told, I am one to ignore the email surveys that pop up every so often, so why is it that I felt the need to post one on my blog? The title says it all. I have lost all creativity.

I am having a hard time coming up with new things to say on my blog (or maybe my life is just boring), I have not finished a scrapbook page in weeks, my cooking has been a mess, and I have not even had a good dream lately (my subconscious can't even be creative for goodness sakes). I really, REALLY need to exercise my brain. Any ideas???

PLEASE HELP!!!

Question Game

2005-08-10T22:46:00.000-04:00

I got inspired by Humor Girl to start a question game. Here are a few questions I answered to get this game going...

1. If you were to choose a new name for yourself, what would it be?
When I was younger I always wanted to have a name were the nickname for it was a boys name. Like, Sam for Samantha or Alex for Alexandra. Now, I would liked to be called...Princess Angela.

2. If you were given an extra $10 in change at Walmart, what would you do with it and why?
I would give it back...I really would. It is the right thing to do. Plus, if that was me who just handed someone $10 by mistake, I would want that person to do the same.

3. What's the biggest lesson you've learned from your past relationships?
NEVER compromise yourself, your way to good for that!!!

4. What's one of your worst habits?
Not putting away my clothes. I know it drives my husband crazy, but I just can't do it.

5. What was the best day of the past week for you - why?
Hmmm, I know, but, I am not gonna say.

6. What are you wearing today which is most reflective of who you are?
My pink sparkley flip-flops from Old Navy. Not only do I loves these sandals and wish I had a pair in every color(I tried, but when I went back they were all gone), I love flip-flops and summer and not wearing socks and sparkles and pink.

7. Choose a unique item from your wallet and explain why you carry it around.
My Delta Sky Miles Card, even though all the miles have expired. It reminds me of my trip to Africa and gives me hope that I will return someday.

8. If you could change one thing about your physical appearance what would it be and why?
Last year I would have said my nose, but after having a baby...what else but my tummy, stretch marks and all.

9. Share one of your most embarrassing moments.
My very most embarrassing moment is gross, and I am not sure you would like to hear about it. A good runner-up, when I was driving one day singing "Shake That Body" (of all songs) really loud on a hot summer day stopped at a red light(I got lost in the moment) and forgot that my widows were down. Needless to say, I got a lot of strange looks.

10. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to go back in time and fix all your mistakes which would you choose?
A million bucks, hands down. Not only would I love to have the money, if I fixed all my mistakes I might not be where I am today, now that would be a mistake!!!

11. If you were given a million dollars and 24 hours to spend it in, (no depositing it in the bank or investing it) what would you buy?
My dream home, a car(any car would do), a few horses to go in the stables I would have on the huge property of my dream home, a Land Rover for Ben, DEBT FREE BABY, probably a few things for Aiden, and a few things for family...wow, it's fun to dream, isn't it?

12. When you look at yourself in the mirror, what's the first thing you look at?
My eyes.

13. How much cash do you have on you?
$29.50, what I made at the garage sale minus a few bucks.

14. What's a word that rhymes with "TEST"?
Crest. Like the toothpaste.

15. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
"Hubby" which is Ben's cell #. August 6th @ 4:15pm.

16. What is your main ring tone on your phone?
"Angie" by The Rolling Stones. It is the song I was named after, which is funny because nobody ever calls me Angie=)

17. Do you prefer a bright or dark room?
It depends on my mood, and what I am doing.

18. What did you have for breakfast?
Cereal, Cranberry Almond Crunch to be exact. Yummy!

19. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Scrabooking...crazy I know, but I am most creative at night, plus I am trying to get something done by Friday.

20. What did your last text message you received on your cell phone say?
I don't get those that much, but my last one was from my Hubby when he was away in Chicago. It said, "I Love You". I know, cute!!!

21. Do you ever click on "Pop Ups" or Banners?
No way, who does???

22. Who told you they loved you last?
My husband, just a second ago.

23. Last furry thing you touched?
Aiden's furry play blocks. He loves those things;)

24. How many hours a week do you work?
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. My life as a stay at home mom.

25. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed?
I am doing pretty good with my picture developing, Thank God for digital cameras!!!

2Favoriteite age you have been so far?
24, every year gets better!!!

27. Your worst enemy?
The enemy himself!

28. What is your current desk top picture?

My little newborn, this is still one of my favorites=)

29. What was the last thing you said to someone?
"Good night, see you up there soon." To my husband, of course=)

30. Copy and paste these questions, and try it yourself=)

Hope you had as much fun reading this as I did writing it. I want to see some questions being answered. Have Fun!!!

Don't Cry Baby Aiden, Don't Cry

2005-08-09T22:40:00.000-04:00

I couldn't have said it better myself Hailey B. This is the new "Mobile Aiden" not wanting to take a nap! You would think this would break my heart, right? NOPE, I run and grab my camera! Hey, even the crying pictures are priceless!

Aiden's Gone Mobile: Part One

2005-08-08T23:04:00.000-04:00

Yes, that's right. My little guy finally mastered the art of rolling over. So much for leaving ANYTHING on the floor. He manages to roll himself from one end of the room to the other in a matter of minutes. And there is no stopping him now. It is amazing how fast they can learn a new skill. I was hoping I would not have to baby proof this house, but the way things are going, Aiden just might be crawling before we move.

So, with this new skill comes a whole other list of worries to add to my growing list. Every time I enter his room to get him from his crib he is in a new (and scary) position. The first time I found him laying diagonal with one foot sticking out of his crib. The next time he was laying at the complete opposite end of the crib, facing the other way, with a blanket almost over his face (I officially took away all the blankets in, on, or around the general crib area). Another time he was on his tummy with his face buried in the mattress. But the cutest of all, was when I had him in a pack-and-play, and he wanted to get out. He rolled over to his tummy, with his face all smashed up against the side and his little hands trying to reach through the mesh, calling for me in his most pitiful voice. Too cute!

I am so excited for him. Each day is literally a new adventure, with new experiences and new things to see and do and learn. I desperately want him to get the most out of his childhood...there is nothing else like it. There is nothing like a child's ability to trust and love, to dream and imagine, and to be so carefree and vulnerable. It breaks my heart to see children being forced to grow up too early, learning to become adults at such a young age. Now, if we adults can only learn to become more like them...???

This is the exact moment Aiden pulled himself over on to his tummy and started this new adventure for us all. The first time he had a little help from his good friend "Bouncey Seat". He's a Pro now though, poor "Bouncey Seat", it's time you retire to storage.

Stay tuned for Part Two, it's just around the corner=)

One More, For Now Anyway

2005-08-03T22:30:00.000-04:00

OK, so I took these today, and had to put just one more up here. I couldn't resist, he is so cute!!!

Chillin'

2005-08-02T22:31:00.000-04:00

One more of Aiden I had to post

At a Loss For Words

2005-08-01T22:48:00.000-04:00

I am at a loss for words, in more ways than one. I have not written here in a week or so because frankly, I've had nothing to say. We have not had the most eventful few weeks. And all the events that we have had, have been someone else's to blog about=) We've simply just participated. The same old, same old going on here. Fixing up the house, taking care of my unusually fussy baby(Lord...let there be teeth), attending the occasional gathering, and struggling to find time for myself. For myself and with the Lord. Which brings me to my next point. I am just now, after 6 months, trying to take back my quiet time and claim it as my own. I used to have a routine, so to say, and it has been a struggle to reinvent that to suit who I am these days. I've certainly changed over the past few years, especially this past year. Lately every time I've tried to sit before the Lord I've found myself at a loss for words. I don't know what to do or say. My lack of "content" had me discouraged until I heard a song in the car that I had not heard in a long time by Mercy Me called, "Word of God Speak".

I'm finding myself at a loss for words

And the funny thing is it's okay

The last thing I need is to be heard

But to hear what You would say

Word of God speak

Would You pour down like rain

Washing my eyes to see Your majesty

To be still and know

That You're in this place

Please let me stay and rest

In Your holiness

Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You

Beyond the music, beyond the noise

All that I need is to be with You

And in the quiet hear Your voice

I'm finding myself at a loss for words

And the funny thing is it's okay

After hearing this song, I immediately felt refreshed. Something set off inside me and I realized that I don't have to say anything, I can just enjoy His presence. I can let Him speak to me and lavish me with His love. Just wanting to be with Him is enough for Him right now, and He is happy to see me soaking in His love and basking in His presence. That's what He needs from me right now, and that's what I need from Him. Isn't it great how a song can speak to you, even when you least expect it and even if you have heard it a million times before.

On another note, my amazing friend Cheryl had a wonderful idea about using our blogs " to be the prayer warriors God created us to be". Here is my first "Praise and Prayer List":

1. That I would continue to find alone time, and make it a priority each and everyday. That my time with the Lord would continue to refresh and rejuvenate me as long as I need it, and that I would not feel selfish, to just remember that this is what the Lord is asking of me right now.

2. That I would find something creative to do to stimulate my brain and maybe even get me out of the house sometimes. Since we only have the one car, I spend most of my time inside the house(except when I walk Aiden around the complex) and when we do go out lately, it's to paint or fix up the new place.

3. The house is coming along nicely, we started the kitchen today and I am starting to feel like we are making accomplishments and getting things done. Ben is working some overtime lately and the Lord seems to be providing (money and time) for all the work that we need to get done before we move.

I am starting off with a small list because I am tired and I want to go to bed. Last night, I went to bed at 8pm and still only managed to get 7 hours of sleep. I am fully convinced that Aiden is teething, he woke up 3 times last night, he fussed for 10 minutes each time, then went back to sleep. I really can't complain, he was one of the babies that "slept through the night" at 2 weeks of age. I have been wanting to post these pictures of him for so long...he is just my favorite little guy!!!

Finally, My List

2005-07-25T23:43:00.000-04:00

I thought I would finally copy Autumn and write a list of 40 interesting or not so interesting facts you may or may not know about me.

1. My birth certificate, social security card, and drivers license all different last names on them.
2. I have Scoliosis.
3. I used to be in a show choir as a kid.
4. My right leg is longer than my left.
5. I've never met my father.
6. My favorite book when I was little was "The Pokey Little Puppy".
7. I've been out of the country 6 times. Mexico (3), Africa (1), Canada (2).
8. I am still afraid of the dark (and "scream" masks too) I even sleep all night with the t.v. on.
9. I can roll my tongue in fours.
10. I have never watched the movie "Titanic" from start to finish.
11. I have been a bridesmaid 5 times, a maid of honor 3 times, and a bride 1 time.
12. I am an only child and the only granddaughter and there is 16 years between me and the next oldest grandchild.
13. I have moved 14 times, but never out of the state.
14. I specifically do not list last names, where I live, or places I go around town for fear that some crazy person will steal my identity, or worse, my baby!!!
15. Most of my early teenage summers were spent camping at Jelly Stone Park.
16. My favorite hobby is watching my son learn and grow.
17. I hate cleaning, that is why my house is always a mess.
18. I love the color green, but it is not always my favorite color even though I say it is.
19. Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to play the guitar. I bought one 6 years ago, but never learned how to play. I hope to take lessons this fall.
20. I am very forgetful, but if I could remember everything I read, I would be a walking medical book.
21. I love to read, but prefer books on tape=)
22. I've always wanted to be an actress. My dream job would be to play Cinderella at Dineyworld.
23. I like to take internet surveys for extra cash.
24. I have a Precious Moments collection.
25. My birthday is on tax day and my husband is a tax consultant.
26. I blame the worst mistake of my life on my high school guidance counselor.
27. If I could travel anywhere in the world I couldn't just pick one place. But if I could travel around the world I would go to: Australia, Nepal, Israel, Philippians, Hawaii, back to Malawi, anywhere else in Africa, China, London(that's for you honey), Paris and Rome(just to say that I've been there), and Greece.
28. I like to scrapbook.
29. I always thought it would be fun to have my own coffee shop or scrapbook store. I have had dreams of owning my own business.
30. I LOVE to dream.
31. I am easily addicted to Final Fantasy. I once played for 6 hours strait.
32. I am also addicted to chocolate.
33. I got my butterfly tattoo as a symbol of freedom and life.
34. I've never had braces.
35. I am the worst speller in the world.
36. My favorite movies are ones that make me think about life and relationships.
37. I am a people person and don't like to be alone.
38. I have an extreme fear of failure and an even more extreme fear of rejection, which causes me to be very insecure at times.
39. I had a hard time coming up with this list.
40. I purposely did 40 facts so that I wouldn't copy Autumn completely=P

Hope you enjoyed getting to know me more, or reading facts you already knew. Whatever the case, this was fun!!! I am sure I forgot a few, but they will probably come out sometime or another=)

Funny Aiden

2005-07-21T23:08:00.000-04:00

I took this picture after my mom and I had some fun with Aiden in the sprinkler. He makes me laugh!!! Has anyone ever seen the Ellen show where viewers send in pictures of babies or animals and they tell her what famous person they think animal or baby looks like, and then Ellen finds some other famous person that baby/animal looks like...and it's always way funny? I thought this would be a fun picture for that segmant, not that I would ever really send it in, but even if I did, I couldn't think of anyone. Who do you think? There has to be someone!

I Give Up

2005-07-20T00:10:00.000-04:00

No, not really, but I want to. We have been working on the house for 4 days now and have not finished one room yet. NOT ONE ROOM!!! There is so much to do. I wish I could wiggle my nose and *POOF* beautiful house. It is probably not that bad, but I hate to paint. Not to mention that we did start off with the biggest room in the house with the most painting due to trim and windows too. You may all see a side of me that you don't see very often, my negative side. Please don't stop reading my blog. I promise you, come October, I will be happy again=)

7 Times in 4 Years...

2005-07-15T23:31:00.000-04:00

What, you ask, is 7 times in 4 years? The number of times in the number of years I have moved, well, it is going to be in September. Ben and I have decided to move...AGAIN. This will be the 3rd move for us as a couple(I must have rubbed off on him or something).

Actually, we have a wonderful opportunity(or at least I am trying to look at it that way)to move into the house Matt and Em lived in on the "property". Don't get me wrong, I am very excited about it, I actually get more excited each day, but I am NOT looking forward to moving. I hate moving, I am good at it to say the least...but man do I hate it.

We have the next 3 months to get things ready, which is good, 'cause if I had to do this fast I don't think I would survive it. We have a lot to do. I need encouragement!!! The thought of moving again makes me physically ill, like, I want to puke all over my computer as I write this!

HOWEVER...There are so many positive things about this move, we couldn't pass it up. More space, cheaper rent, close to family, friends and church, yard for Aiden, CRAFT ROOM FOR ME(YEA>>>BIG POSITIVE, NOW WHEN I THINK OF THAT I GET ALL GIDDY AND NAUSEA GOES AWAY), "private" pool, two car garage, entertaining(which I love to do) will be easier, experience of taking care of a home, garden, and the biggest of all, save money!!!!

So, I could have kept going, but I think you all get it. Wish us luck as we embark on this new journey, we will need all the prayers we can get. Especially for my attitude, Ben is really excited about this and I am sometimes being a little negative, did I mention I hate moving!!!=P

So, It's Been Awhile

2005-07-14T23:25:00.000-04:00

I find myself reading other blogs so much and commenting, that I am to exhausted to write my own. It's funny, really. I started this as more of an online journal since I type better than I write on paper, yet I seem to be more interested in other people's lives rather than examining my own. Maybe because I always think others are more interesting than myself, and well hey, it is easier to comment a few sentences than to write a few paragraphs.

So, I watched the movie "50 First Dates" the other day. I was dog sitting at my mom's house and went up to the library and rented a few movies. I was excited because I found 5 movies that I have been wanting to see, but never got the chance. Anyway, cute movie! I watched it, and I would imagine, like others who have seen it, I thought it to be a little unrealistic. If you have not seen the movie it is about a man who meets a girl who has short term memory loss and each day when she goes to sleep her memory of that day is erased. So he has to find ways to make her fall in love with him each day, day after day. Of course, I said to myself, "wouldn't it be wonderful for someone to love you like that, to be that committed to you", I mean really, who would do that. Would I have done that for Ben, him for me, I dunno? The "right" answer I guess would be yes but, let's be honest with ourselves. I went to bed that night, not thinking anything of it.

When I woke up the next morning, I had an overwhelming sense of guilt. No, not full fledged guilt, more like I had missed something. I had this song in my head by Misty Edwards, and this one part kept replaying in my mind. I thought of that scripture in Song of Solomon, "You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride, with one glance of your eyes, How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride." I started to think about the movie. How all it took was one glance, and each day the Lord tries to get my attention, tries to love me, teach me, guide me, and how each day I wake up and go about my day, and sometimes I forget. As if my memory was wiped clean. How can I forget about Him, all he has done for me. How can I forget about the first moment I ever met Him, the way my heart felt when He entered it. But, sometimes I do forget, and each day that I do, He loves me, woos me, brings me back to Him, each day...day after day. I told Ben the other day that If I could truly have God's Word burned into to heart, like with a branding iron, along with all He has done for me, how I have seen Him work in me and in others, If it all could be branded, like a permanent reminder of His love for me, I could NEVER forget Him or simply ignore Him. You would think my life and testimony would be enough, right? HA!

It's the ULTIMATE GOAL. I have a lifetime, however long that is. I hope I can stand before Him one day and hear him say those words we ALL want to hear. Until then, I have purpose. What's life without purpose!

Charming

2005-07-07T22:41:00.000-04:00

Mawhaha...you can't resist my charm!!!

Happy Birthday Honey!

2005-07-04T01:28:00.000-04:00

I just want to wish my husband Ben a Happy Birthday today. It has to be hard to share your birthday with a holiday so I want to make sure he feels extra special. This post is dedicated to you honey.

As I started to look back on this past year, I realized how many life changing events and milestones you've reached at just 23 years of age. You became a father and had your very first Father's Day. We moved to a new "home" in a new city. You have made many new friends and have reconnected with old friends as well. You lost two loved ones. You became an uncle. You have established yourself in your career and are making steps to progress further. You began to dream again. What a year it has been.

May you continue to find those dreams that have been hidden in your heart for so long. May the Lord bless every aspect of your life. May you grow in your relationship with the Lord, grow as a husband and father, grow in your career, and grow as a friend. May the Lord bless you with wisdom and understanding for His Word and in all areas of your life. May you find Him in the little things. May all your dreams come true, and may you be able to feel loved, supported, and encouraged by those around you.

I am sure it is going to be easy to say good-bye to 23 since you have had such a fulfilling year. And if every year is like this one you have a lot to look forward to.

HAPPY 24TH BIRTHDAY BENJAMIN

I LOVE YOU

Just wanted to share a few of my favorite pictures of my hubby...

Baby Benny

Sexy Benny

Our Wedding Day

Our Honeymoon

Just the two of us...before it became the three of us=)

Our Family

New Daddy

I love this Dad thing

Yep, I really LOVE this Dad thing!

More Pictures of Addy

2005-07-03T10:33:00.000-04:00

For those of you who can't get enough of newborn babies, here are some more pictures of Addelyne. She is so tiny and cute. Congratulations Matt and Emily!!!

Oh my! Your not my mommy!!!

My tummy is nice and full and I am ready to pose!

Sure, I'll flash you a smile!

Aiden and Addy meet for the first time. Their going to have so much fun together!

IT'S A GIRL

2005-07-02T11:51:00.000-04:00

Matt and Emily had a beautiful baby girl, Addelyne Raine, Saturday July 2nd at 1:23 a.m.
She is 7lbs. 13.6oz. and 19 1/2 in. long. Last minute they asked me to be the official photographer and I got to be there for the tail end of it. It was a privilege to witness a miracle in progress first hand. It is so different being on the other end of things. Thanks Matt and Emily, for letting me share that experience with you. It was a fast labor and everyone is healthy and doing well. I'M AN AUNT!!! I am sure Em will tell you more and post some better pictures for you when she gets home. Until then, here are some pictures of little Addy on her Birthday.

"Noble Princess"

She's so cute!

Let's Rally Together

2005-06-26T07:46:00.000-04:00

YOUR INVITED

What: A rally for my sister-in-law Emily

Where: Online

When: ASAP

Why: Her baby is stuck inside her and won't come out

This is my very pregnant sister Emily who is ready to explode physically and emotionally if little Addy does not come soon, like today! Please say a little prayer for her, if she does not have the baby by Tuesday, they are going to schedule an induction for Thursday. She would really like to go into labor naturally. Come on little Addy, what are you waiting for, I am sure you are all comfy in there, but we all want to meet you...plus, Aiden needs someone to play with!!!!

What Makes Me Smile?

2005-06-15T23:46:00.000-04:00

Below are some pictures I took today of Aiden eating in his booster seat for the first time. This is only the 4th or 5th time I have given him solid food. He is still making funny faces, but this time I think he enjoyed it a little more. I just had to share these. They made me laugh so hard. He is so fun. I love spending my time with him during the day. He always puts a smile on my face. He is like his father in that way. Ben is the only person who can make me laugh even when we are in the middle of an argument. It drives me crazy. Aiden is going to be the same way, I know it already. Even when I am frustrated with him(Aiden) he always smiles at me and makes me laugh. He is going to make discipline a challenge.

2005-06-15T23:44:00.000-04:00

Look at my messy face, Am I cute or what?

2005-06-15T23:43:00.000-04:00

HMMM....Mom, I think I am starting to like this stuff!!!

Drum Roll Please.....

2005-06-14T21:29:00.000-04:00

17 lbs. 10 oz. and 25 1/2 in. long

My baby boy is in the 92nd %tile over all!!! He grew 2 1/2 inches, 4 lbs in weight and height since his last visit two months ago, and his head grew 1 1/2 inches. He is such a little fat boy...I LOVE it!

The biggest advice I got about parenting was to "Stay in the moment and enjoy the now, try not to look to much into the future because you'll never have these moments again". It is so hard to stay in the moment when each moment is gone before I can even blink! It seems like just the other day I was playing DDR religiously every day to make my stubborn baby come out(hang in there Em, she'll be here before you know it), and now Aiden is becoming more and more like a little man.

Each day that goes by seems to be more important than the other before it. At this time in my life I am learning so much about myself. I am being challenged on a daily basis. I realized something about myself, I love a challenge. I never knew I had it in me. I never challenged myself much when I was younger because I had an extreme fear of failure, I still do. But I have learned so so much through failure. I have learned that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, does that sound cheesy, well it has been true for me. I want so much to embrace the challenges that lie before me...Lord, bring it!!!

I know I am going to regret saying that tomorrow;)

Weekend Update

2005-06-13T23:01:00.000-04:00

We had a nice relaxing weekend, well deserved after the last few. Friday night we did absolutely nothing at all. It was nice to have nowhere to be. Saturday we slept in a bit then went to Ben's parents house to swim again. I love that Aiden loves the water, it is going to make this summer very fun! We pretty much spent the whole day there. I wish it could have been a little sunnier, but you can't beat a big pool on a warm day and free meals...Thanks Mom and Dad!!! My mom and step-dad came over on Sunday morning and made breakfast. Yummy!!! We made out this weekend, that's for sure. After breakfast Ben, Aiden and I went to Hinckley Park and walked around. We rented a movie, ate dinner, then went to bed...Well, Ben went to bed. I couldn't sleep last night, which normally would have been fine, except my wonderful son picked today to SCREAM his head off all day long. Needless to say I got nothing done and was ready to stick my head in the oven by the end of the day. My awesome hubby made it all better though by surprising me with beautiful roses to make me feel better. IT WORKED...You get 10 stars for that one honey;)

Aiden has a doctors visit tomorrow. I am very curious to see how much he weighs. I'm going to guess 25 inches and 16.4 lbs. Anyone else want to take a guess? Yeah, I know, you don't care that much=)

After dinner today, we went driving around our neighborhood. We ended up driving around a very high class area, million dollar houses to say the least. The weather tonight was perfect driving weather, warm but breezy. We had the windows down and Dave playing on the radio. It was fun to picture ourselves living in a house like that someday. And even if we never do, I realized today that I am truly blessed. The Lord has provided for our EVERY need. Ben and I often complain that we can never catch a break. Actually, tonight, right before I signed on to write this entry I shouted those very words about a problem I was having with my camera. I thought about my frustration for a moment. If my camera is the only thing I have to complain about, we are doing pretty well. Of course there are a lot of things I wish I had right now, but in my heart I know, in God's timing, one day I will. One day these hidden dreams I share only with my maker will come true. If not here on Earth, then someday when I am home!

Goodbye Normal Self

2005-06-10T22:13:00.000-04:00

You know that saying, I think it is in a Johnson & Johnson commercial, "Having a baby changes everything", well it should go, "Having a baby makes you crazy". Not crazy like, insane, although when your teething 4 month old whines all day long you're kind of almost there, I mean crazy like you'll do anything to prove to yourself and everyone else that your a good mom. Crazy like you'll do and say and sing the stupidest things just to make your baby laugh, or crazy like your other full time job, next to stay at home mom is photographer, snapping pictures at everything from sleeping baby to absolutely nothing at all, "he just looked so cute just then". I have realized officially, that along with my normal sized hips and waist, so went my old normal self. This post is dedicated to my "Old Normal Self", Goodbye, I will miss you.

2005-06-10T22:03:00.000-04:00

My Men...They are so handsome!

A Week of Firsts

2005-06-07T23:20:00.000-04:00

Our little man had a big week of firsts. It was the first time he met his Great-Great Grandma, the first time he went in a baby pool, the first time he went in a big pool, and the first time he ate solid food. What an amazing age this is. At four months I think he has more of a life than I do=)

Why is it that we can watch a baby play, sleep, poop, cry, whine, swim, eat, drool, and smile for hours and hours. What is it that makes them so appealing. I don't think its just because they are so darn cute. Maybe it's the sweet innocents we, or at least I wish I had. My favorite part about being a mom is walking into his room at night while he is sleeping and checking in on him. He is always there laying flat on his back with his arms wide open, sleeping so peaceful, so trusting. I know I am supposed to be teaching him, helping him grow, but every night when I walk into his room he reminds me of my own personal calling to be a woman of extreme faith, trusting the Lord, stretching my arms wide open and falling into His arms, resting peacefully in his presence. Resting peacefully in the fact that I am His and he will take care of me.

2005-06-07T23:18:00.000-04:00

Not too sure about this?

2005-06-07T23:17:00.000-04:00

Aiden's First Solid Food Experience

2005-06-07T23:16:00.000-04:00

Long Day!!!!

2005-06-07T23:15:00.000-04:00

More "Big Pool" Fun

2005-06-07T23:13:00.000-04:00

Aiden's First "Big Pool" Experience

2005-06-07T23:07:00.000-04:00

Aiden's First "Little Pool" Experience

Giving This A Try

2005-06-06T23:04:00.000-04:00

Well, this is my first attempt to create a blog, I guess we'll see how long it lasts.

Wish me luck!